NICKY RILEY last night vowed to resurrect his career at Dundee - and help them seal an SPL return.

The ex-Celtic starlet has been given a career lifeline by boss Gordon Chisholm as he bids to show he's finally over his long-term injury woes.

The 24 year-old said: "I've got six months to prove myself and if I can do that then hopefully we can look at things and everything takes off for both parties.

"It's been a terrible two-and-a-half years out with a groin injury I picked up during my time at Celtic. This is the first time I've been able to do a pre-season in three years and it feels like a fresh start.

"When you can't do anything all sorts of things go through your head like chucking it but that's behind me now and all I want to do is impress and help Dundee back to the SPL."

Riley was joined by former St Mirren and Dundee United ace Stephen O'Donnell who's penned a one-year deal at Dens Park. He said: "I worked with the manager at Tannadice so I know what he's all about.

"He's a top-class guy and I want to help him get Dundee back into the top f light."

Meanwhile, Chisholm insists he's still in the hunt for new faces. He said: "We're still trying to add to the squad. I hope we can get more bodies in before the season starts."